Events and Activities

Elk River is fortunate to have a diverse number of nonprofits and other organizations that host numerous special events in our community throughout the year. Adding to this diversity are the following events Parks and Recreation organizes each year:

Spring and Fall Arts & Craft Show

Twice a year the Elk River Arena transforms into a marketplace of unique artwork and handmade crafts. Around 100 artisans can be found selling original paintings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and other crafts. For more information on the Arts & Craft shows, click here.

Farmers Market

Parks and Recreation hosts a farmers market from mid-June through the beginning of October in the heart of Elk River at the downtown Park Plaza lot located at 716 and 720 Main Street. The farmers market has live music as well as special guests and promotions throughout the season. For weekly updates, including potential cancellations due to inclement weather, please visit our Facebook page. To see a list of vendors, performing artists and for other information, click here.

Entertainment in the Park

Each summer Parks and Recreation hosts a series of free community performances geared toward younger audiences at Orono Park. The series runs from mid-June through mid-August on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Check out the entertainment schedule here.

Kick off to Summer

Parks and Recreation hosts a party every June to kick off the start the summer! This event has lots of free family fun like face painting, games, activities, food and a bouncy house. Event details are posted on our Facebook page and on the City of Elk River website's homepage under Events.

Safety Camp

Every summer Parks and Recreation hosts a safety camp to teach kids how to stay safe and keep their cool in all types of situations through interactive games, hands-on experiences and sessions taught by a variety of safety experts, such as police, fire, utilities, ambulance, county and city officials. To register your child, click here.

Spooktacular

Get on your scariest costume and join us for a Halloween Spooktacular event each year in October. We have games, a treat trail, a DJ, bouncy houses, hay rides, a costume contest, Bingo and more fun for the whole family! Event details are posted on our Facebook page and on the City of Elk River website's homepage under Events. To register, click here.

Treat Trail Sponsors: Elk River Parks and Recreation is looking for local businesses and organizations to join in on the fun at our Annual Family Spooktacular Event. Boost your brand awareness by sponsoring a table on the Treat Trail. There is no cost to have a table at Spooktacular, you only need to provide "treats" for participating kids and advertise your business at the same time. If interested, complete the online form and you will be contacted by staff.

Downtown Halloween

Sponsored by the Downtown River's Edge Business Association, children can trick-or-treat at participating businesses and take their outdoor seasonal picture at the park. Event details are posted on our Facebook page and on the City of Elk River website's homepage under Events.

Downtown Tree Lighting

Celebrate the holiday season at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Stroll downtown businesses and find that perfect holiday gift or your favorite treat. Sponsored by the Downtown River's Edge Business Association. Event details are posted on our Facebook page and Recreation and on the City of Elk River website's homepage under Events.

Santa in the Park

Santa in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of downtown Elk River at Rivers Edge Commons Park. Children and families can have their photograph taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the holiday-themed park. This event is co-sponsored by the Downtown River's Edge Business Association and Parks and Recreation. Event details are posted on our Facebook page and on the City of Elk River website's homepage under Events.